Report: Pending UFA Jeff Petry says returning to Canadiens is his first choice

Jeff Petry doesn't want the band to break up.

The defenseman - who came to the Montreal Canadiens at the trade deadline from the Edmonton Oilers - wants to remain with the team, reports TVA's Renaud Lavoie.

Petry, 27, who was acquired from the Oilers for a second- and fifth-round pick in the 2015 draft, said the Habs are his first choice to play for next season.

The blue-liner recorded 22 points in 78 regular season games and added another three points in 12 postseason games.